To our friends in Japan

During my travels across Asia the past two weeks, I’ve had the chance to catch up with many people who are not only business colleagues— but close friends. That’s why the recent events in Japan and the people living through them are in my thoughts.

I’ve had the pleasure of traveling to Japan dozens of times during my career at Boeing. With each trip, I learn just a little bit more about this complicated, fascinating and beautiful country.

All of us at Boeing are thankful that the more than 200 employees we have in Japan are safe and accounted for. As our partners and suppliers in Japan assess the damage, our thoughts are with them and their families. We stand with them and our customers in Japan to offer support any way we can. Through employee contributions and the Boeing Company Charitable Trust, I’m proud to say we’re donating $2 million for relief efforts.

The resolve shown by the Japanese people over the past several days is both admirable and moving. I personally wish all of them well in their recovery and look forward to returning there very soon.

Comments (10)

Fredric Hale (Mesa, Arizona):

Randy:
I too have traveled extensively throughout Japan and I consider many of my business associates to be friends. During my many stays in Japan, I was exposed to and learned much with respect to Japanese history and culture.
I felt a pang and personal loss as I watched the tragic events unfold and the resultant devastation. It was a slight comfort to see the resolve of the Japanese people manifest itself, and I am confident their resiliency will prevail. However, it remains troubling to witness their plight. My prayers and best wishes are extended to all.

Randy: I agree with your sentiments. The magnitude of this catastrophe is hard to believe. Whole cities left lying in total devestation from the huge Tsunami. Japan is a beautiful country steeped in tradition and culture. I was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan for 3 years on the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. Midway CV-41 in the early 80's.

Boeing and other aircraft manufacturers has made our planet easier to access, despite all technology one
must remember that not everything can be solved by
it. This planet can be very hostile to its inhabitants...:(

Having seen the news coverage of this massive natural disaster and the tremendous devastation it has caused for Japan including the nuclear plant crisis, I felt compelled to help, even in some small way, by donating to the American Red Cross - Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief fund via our Corporate Citizenship Disaster Relief website. I'm proud to hear that Boeing is donating 2 million dollars to this relief effort. Together we can make a significant difference. Please donate if you can.

Witnessing the horrendous devastations unfold on the TV screen is like watching 2012; except that sadly, they are all for real. Lets us all wish the resilient Japanese people all the best in recovering from the unfortunate triple calamity of quake, tsunami & nuclear power plants disaster.

Kudo's to Boeing for supporting efforts in Japan! Such a HUGE disaster, and from many different angles. It will only be a matter of time till we face a similar situation in San Fran, Seattle or Vancouver. It brings the fraility of our humanity on this planet to light. We must act as humans, and start helping each other. Thankfully, the people of Japan have strength and are working in peace!
Randy, great blog. Read it often. Looking forward to seeing 787 and the new 747 running efficiently in commercial ops. Still some hurdles to cross.

We've been crudely reminded of our common humanity. But, they are a great people, who will rise from this horrific date stronger, and foreward looking - providing solutions as they've always have. Do not go quietly into the night..

Imagine a Dreamlifter landing in Japan at some suitable location, and unloading a dozen self-contained travel trailers, stocked with food and clothing, and ready to be lived in. Now imagine THREE Dreamlifters doing that.
A drop in the bucket perhaps, but a really nice tangible gesture of our (I work at Boeing) sincere concern.

I second all your statements and I send my condolences to all of those affected by the earthquake, tsunami and the deteriorating nuclear power station in Japan. The donations to those in the communities affected by what happened is an example of the humanity of one person or group to another in times of hardship and turmoil. That is an example all caring people should follow.

Joe Dolan:
Great idea for the Dreamlifter but (Randy, correct me if I am wrong) I believe that certification-wise that certainly cannot be done as the 'lifter is allowed only to ferry airliner parts for manufacture.
Just send in the proven ultimate freight-hauler; the good old 744F and if possible the test 748F as well.
Let our hearts go out to the brave victims and the courageous rescuers too. May the Force be with them!

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